Peterson, Oscar - Dimension - A Compendium Of The Pablo Years

Year of Release: 2003
Label: Pablo
Catalog Number: 4PACD-4439-2
Format: CD
Total Time: 286:05:00

When you hear the name Oscar Peterson, you think ? legend. His body of work since his recording career began over fifty years ago is impressive. It is second nature to associate his name with such superior status as legendary in the history of recorded music because of his far-reaching contributions. Jazz icon Norman Granz recorded all the music contained in Dimensions - A Compendium Of The Pablo Years, a gorgeous 4 CD boxed set, for his label between 1953-1986. If you think of the time span alone it is astounding, and the music is even more incredible.

Peterson personified the spirit of jazz improvisation and timing in a composition. His piano playing was precise artwork that had as many facets as the entire genre could offer, and he would inspire many artists to create a similar style of music.

I must attest that I have never heard such variety in jazz piano playing as I did on these four discs. Usually a set this large would offer several versions of the same songs and outtakes; this is not the case at all. There is not one duplicate track amongst the 46 tracks offered, which is amazing.

Peterson could take a blank canvas and paint the most beautiful picture with musical notes, and as a bandleader, he ranks amongst the greats. His musical genius goes beyond what mere words can say. You have to listen to this music to appreciate the immensity and virtuosity of it all. This is absolute jaw-dropping musical beauty in motion, I can say no more.

Tracklisting:
Disc One: That Old Black Magic (4:40) / Tenderly (4:54) / How High The Moon (3:13) / The Way You Look Tonight (4:34) / You Are Too Beautiful (3:36) / Smedley (4:16) / Someday My Prince Will Come (4:59) / Daytrain (5:53) / Moonglow (3:29) / Sweet Georgia Brown (4:28) / C Jam Blues (6:12) / Wes' Tune (6:37) Okie Blues (8:45) / You Can Depend On Me (6:55)

Disc Two: You Are My Sunshine (9:11) / Caravan (6:58) / Stella By Starlight (7:02) / Little Jazz (4:45) / Soft Winds (5:18) / Mean To Me (6:32) / Oh Lady, Be Good (7:54) / On A Slow Boat To China (4:25) / Summertime (4:27) / Blues For Birks (7:18) / How Long Has This Been Going On? (4:56) / Hogtown Blues (5:21)

Disc Three: Blues Etude (5:16) / Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans? (3:25) / I'm Getting Sentimental Over You (7:23) / Reunion Blues (6:37) / I'm Confessin' (That I Love You) (4:47) / Goodbye (6:19) / Falling In Love With Love (6:22) / Nigerian Marketplace (7:08) / Sometimes I'm Happy (6:28) / Medley: Perdido/Caravan (13:35) / Cool Walk (8:21)

Disc Four: Take The 'A' Train (5:12) / 5400 North (12:49) / Exactly Like You (6:13) / Au Privave (11:03) / If I Were A Bell (10:39) / Nuages (7:56) / Some Of These Days (3:46) / Lady Di's Waltz (4:59) / Stuffy (9:09)

Musicians:
Oscar Peterson - vocals, piano, clavichord
Ella Fitzgerald - vocals
Johnny Hodges - alto saxophone
Benny Carter - alto saxophone
Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson - alto saxophone
Coleman Hawkins - tenor saxophone
Stan Getz - tenor saxophone
Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis - tenor saxophone
Dizzy Gillespie - trumpet
Roy Eldridge - trumpet
Harry "Sweets" Edison - trumpet
Jon Faddis - trumpet
Clark Terry - trumpet
Al Grey - trombone
Stephane Grapelli - violin
Milt Jackson - vibraphone
Count Basie - piano
Joe Pass - guitar
Ray Ellis - guitar
Barney Kessel - guitar
Freddie Green - guitar
Ray Brown - bass
Neils-Henning Orsted Pedersen - bass
Louis Bellson - drums
Jake Hanna - drums
Martin Drew - drums
The Duke Ellington Orchestra

Discography:
Extensive, see website

Genre: Jazz-Trad. Jazz

Origin US

Added: December 14th 2003
Reviewer: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck
Score:
Artist website: www.oscarpeterson.com
Hits: 1901
Language: english